Hawaiian Islands - FAQ
FAQ Trip Specific Questions
- Where does my trip start?
- What islands are we on? How to we get to them?
- What happens in a typical day?
- Hawaii seems so exotic -- will it be similar to my other Moondance trips?
- How hard is kayaking the Na Pali Coast?
- How difficult is it to surf? Is it dangerous?
- Does it get really hot in Hawaii?
- What kind of wildlife or marine life might we see?
- What will I learn by the end of my trip?
Where does my trip start?
Your Hawaiian Islands adventure begins on the Big Island of Hawaii. You will actually meet other Moondancers who are on your trip in the San Francisco airport! As a group, you will fly to Hawaii where your instructors will meet you in baggage claim before heading to your first campsite!
What islands are we on? How to we get to them?
While on your Moondance trip, you’ll visit Kauai and the Big Island to explore this tropical paradise by foot, boat, and flipper! There is no inter-island ferry system, so we will use planes in order to travel from island to island.
What happens in a typical day?
During the Hawaiian Islands Adventure, you can expect to sea kayak along the Napali Coast, earn your SCUBA certification, explore the incredible Volcanoes National Park, surf the waves in the famous Hanalei Bay, and work with local organizations to help Hawaiian communities in need. You'll have the chance to relax by the ocean and toss a Frisbee after surfing, do a challenging hike along the coast, and complete a high rise ropes course on the beach. Each day will be filled with excitement, challenge, and beauty. You'll set up camp under the stars almost every night (except for two nights when you're in bunk houses) and you and your cook group will have the chance to compete in Iron Chef and wow your new friends with delicious meals! No matter what adventure you choose, each night ends with 'Moon-up' which gives you a chance to debrief the day, talk about upcoming adventures and challenges, and spend time with your new friends who quickly become like family.
Hawaii seems so exotic -- will it be similar to my other Moondance trips?
Hawaiian Islands will dive into the common experience of a Moondance trip that alumni have come to know so well: the chance to explore unparalleled beauty the Moondance way -- simply and with great friends, coupled with adventure and discovery. Though the geography is significantly different from most of our other trips, the importance of reaching beyond your comfort zone to discover new friendships, new beauty, and new strength from either on top of a ridge, from the cockpit of a kayak, or from inside a tent on a rainy night will remain.
How hard is kayaking the Na Pali Coast?
No experience is necessary but be prepared to be challenged! Kayaking the Na Pali coast will be a strenuous 2-day activity, but like all challenges, it will be WORTH IT! Once you reach the end point you'll be amazed and proud of your accomplishments, not to mention all the breathtaking views you'll experience along the way. We'll be kayaking with professional kayak guides and we'll be camping out along the coast. This will be an experience of a life-time and is ranked as one of the top twenty things to do in your life time by Lonely Planet! Don't miss this!
How difficult is it to surf? Is it dangerous?
As with any new sport, surfing will feel a bit unfamiliar the first time you hop on a board. However with perseverance, patience, and a little hard work, you'll find yourself balancing on a wave in no time. All Moondance activities have an element of risk involved but we use professional guides to help us through the process safely.
Does it get really hot in Hawaii?
Located deep within the tropics, Hawaii's temperatures are warm and humid throughout the entire year. You will be hiking through the rainforests of Kauai, the volcanic deserts of the Big Island, and paddling along the rugged coasts of Kauai's North Shore. Whatever your environment, bring lots of sunscreen! Even on days when it is overcast, UV rays will still pierce through the clouds. During June and July, temperatures generally range from 75-85°F, with evening temperatures rarely falling below 68°F.
What kind of wildlife or marine life might we see?
Hawaii is the land of the albatross, green sea turtle, and monk seal, so from the shore or from your kayak, keep your eyes pealed! As you're hiking along the coastlines or resting in your boat, you may see a spinner dolphin -- named to describe the playful "spins" of its body as it breaches -- perform for you! Koa trees are home to one of the two native species of butterflies in Hawaii -- the bright red and black Kamehameha butterfly -- and Hawaiian owls may greet you as you settle in for the evening.
What will I learn by the end of my trip?
By the end of your Moondance experience, you may learn how to cook a great meal, how to SCUBA dive and snorkel, or how to “ferry” to the shoreline in you kayak. Most of all, you'll learn that life's lessons are often camouflaged as a brilliant rainbow that follows a storm, a challenging cliff walk and difficult service project, or strangers that become family at the end of 17 days. The self-confidence that one gains by exploring the unknown provides a constant foundation for life’s adventures down the road.
See also
- Trip Finder
- Program Chart
- Get Your Gear
- Service Adventures - Other trips
